Chicken salad has always been one of those recipes that feels like home to me. I can still picture my mom in the kitchen on Sunday afternoons, pulling leftover roast chicken off the bone, mixing it gently with a little mayonnaise, celery, and just the right touch of seasoning.
She would serve it on soft sandwich bread for my dad, pile it high on crackers for us kids, and sometimes scoop it onto crisp lettuce leaves when she wanted something lighter.
The aroma of freshly cooked chicken, the crunch of vegetables, and the creamy dressing always made the whole kitchen smell cozy and inviting.
This recipe is perfect for so many occasions. Think summer picnics with friends, a quick and wholesome weekday lunch, or even a special bridal or baby shower spread.
It is also the kind of dish you can make ahead, letting the flavors mingle overnight so every bite is even better the next day.
There is something comforting about knowing you have a bowl of chicken salad waiting in the fridge, ready to be served up in sandwiches, wraps, or simply with a spoon.
Whether you are feeding your family, bringing a dish to a potluck, or just treating yourself to a classic lunch, this best chicken salad recipe will quickly become a staple in your kitchen.
It is creamy, crunchy, satisfying, and endlessly adaptable to whatever you have on hand.
Chicken Salad Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- Prepare the chicken. Use cooked and cooled chicken. Shred it into bite-sized pieces or dice it neatly. (Tip: shredding with two forks makes it tender and easy.)
- Chop the mix-ins. Dice celery, onion, and grapes (or apple). Keep them small for even bites.
- Make the dressing. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
- Combine everything. Add the chicken, celery, onion, grapes, and nuts (if using) into the bowl with the dressing. Stir gently until everything is evenly coated.
- Chill. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. This helps the flavors meld together.
- Serve. Enjoy chicken salad on sandwich bread, croissants, crackers, or lettuce wraps.
About the Recipe
What makes this chicken salad stand out from all the others? It is all about balance. You get the tender, juicy chicken paired with the crisp bite of celery and onion, the sweetness of grapes or apples, and the creamy dressing that brings it all together.
It is simple to prepare yet feels special enough for entertaining.
This foolproof recipe makes about 6 servings, which is just right for a week’s worth of lunches or for sharing at a gathering. It is flexible, too, you can use rotisserie chicken when you are short on time, or poach your own chicken breasts for that extra-fresh flavor.
The dressing uses just enough mayonnaise to coat everything without making it heavy, and a little Dijon mustard adds brightness.
The best part? You can adapt it to fit your taste or the season. Add toasted almonds for crunch, dried cranberries for a holiday twist, or fresh dill for a summery touch.
This chicken salad recipe truly is the kind of dish you will come back to again and again.
Ingredients
- 4 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (rotisserie works great)
- 1 cup celery, finely chopped
- ½ cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup red grapes, halved (or 1 crisp apple, diced)
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt (optional, for lightness)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup sliced almonds or chopped pecans (optional)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley or dill, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken. Use cooked and cooled chicken. Shred it into bite-sized pieces or dice it neatly. (Tip: shredding with two forks makes it tender and easy.)
- Chop the mix-ins. Dice celery, onion, and grapes (or apple). Keep them small for even bites.
- Make the dressing. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
- Combine everything. Add the chicken, celery, onion, grapes, and nuts (if using) into the bowl with the dressing. Stir gently until everything is evenly coated.
- Chill. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. This helps the flavors meld together.
- Serve. Enjoy chicken salad on sandwich bread, croissants, crackers, or lettuce wraps.
Tips for Success
The key to unforgettable chicken salad starts with the chicken itself. Using freshly cooked chicken, whether poached, baked, or roasted, adds the best flavor and texture.
If you are short on time, rotisserie chicken is an excellent shortcut, but removing the skin and shredding it while warm keeps it tender.
Another tip is not to overdo the dressing. Chicken salad should be creamy, not soupy. Start with the recommended amount of mayonnaise and yogurt, then add more if you prefer a thicker coat.
Stir gently so you do not break down the chicken too much, you want those satisfying, chunky bites.
Finally, do not skip the chilling time. Letting the chicken salad rest in the refrigerator allows the flavors to develop.
The tang of the mustard, the crunch of the celery, and the sweetness of the grapes all come together beautifully when given a little time to mingle.
What Goes Well With It
Chicken salad is one of those versatile recipes that pairs well with just about anything. For a cozy lunch, nothing beats a chicken salad sandwich on soft croissants or hearty multigrain bread with a side of kettle-cooked chips.
If you are serving it at a summer picnic or gathering, consider offering it alongside fresh fruit, a crisp green salad, or a chilled pasta salad.
The cool, creamy texture of the chicken salad balances beautifully with juicy watermelon or tangy lemonade.
For a more indulgent option, scoop chicken salad over baked potatoes or serve it with crackers and cheese for a light dinner. And if you are entertaining, chicken salad on little tea sandwiches or cucumber slices makes for a delightful appetizer spread.
Nutrition & Health Benefits
Chicken is naturally lean and packed with protein, making this dish both satisfying and nourishing. A serving provides steady energy and helps you feel full, which is why chicken salad makes such a great lunch option.
The crunchy celery and onion bring fiber and antioxidants, while the grapes or apples add natural sweetness and vitamin C.
Nuts, when included, contribute healthy fats and a satisfying crunch that keeps the dish interesting.
Even the dressing can be balanced. By combining mayonnaise with Greek yogurt, you get that creamy texture with added protein and probiotics. It is a simple way to make the dish a little lighter without sacrificing flavor.
How to Store & Reheat
Chicken salad is best enjoyed chilled, but it stores wonderfully. Keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Stir gently before serving to refresh the texture.
For longer storage, chicken salad can be frozen, though the mayonnaise may separate slightly. To freeze, place in a freezer-safe container and use within 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and give it a good stir before serving.
If you want easy grab-and-go portions, scoop chicken salad into small containers or wrap sandwiches and refrigerate them for the week.
This works perfectly for school lunches or office snacks. Since chicken salad is meant to be eaten cold, reheating is not necessary, just serve it chilled straight from the fridge.
Closing Personal Touch
This chicken salad recipe has become a little tradition in my own family. My kids ask for it when we pack lunches for road trips, and my husband loves it piled onto buttery croissants on Sunday afternoons.
Sometimes I make a double batch so we can enjoy it all week long, whether on sandwiches, crackers, or simply by the spoonful.
I also love how it connects me back to those childhood afternoons in my mom’s kitchen. Every time I make it, I am reminded of how food can bring people together, how a simple dish can carry memories across generations.
I hope this best chicken salad recipe brings the same comfort to your table. It is simple, flavorful, and endlessly adaptable.
Whether you are serving it for a special event or just a cozy family lunch, it is sure to become a recipe you turn to again and again. So grab your mixing bowl, gather your ingredients, and make this classic part of your own story.
